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Diverticulitis: Risk Factors and Recurrence
Key Takeaways
As you’ve just read, the risk of diverticulitis or recurrence does not depend on a single factor. Diet, bowel transit, lifestyle habits, and even certain medications can all play a role in digestive health. The good news is that many of these factors are related to our daily habits. Prioritizing a fiber-rich diet, staying well hydrated, being physically active, and supporting digestive health overall can help create a more favorable environment for the colon.
If you have already experienced an episode of diverticulitis and would like to adapt your diet, personalized guidance from a dietitian can also be very helpful. Together, you can identify the habits that work best for you in order to support long-term digestive health.
Sources
Strate LL, Morris AM. Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of diverticulitis. Gastroenterology. 2019;156(5):1282-1298.e1.doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.12.033
Crowe FL, Appleby PN, Allen NE, Key TJ. Dietary fibre intake and risk of diverticular disease: a prospective study of 47 033 UK adults. BMJ. 2011;343:d4131. doi:10.1136/bmj.d4131
Strate LL, Keeley BR, Cao Y, Wu K, Giovannucci EL, Chan AT. Western dietary pattern increases, and prudent dietary pattern decreases, risk of incident diverticulitis in a prospective cohort study. Gut. 2017;66(2):302-307. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2015-310202
Camilleri M, Lasch K, Zhou W. Irritable bowel syndrome: methods, mechanisms and pathophysiology. Gut. 2012;61(3):441-452. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2011-300248
Strate LL, Liu YL, Aldoori WH, Giovannucci EL, Chan AT. Use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increases risk of diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding. Gastroenterology. 2011;140(5):1427-1433. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2011.02.004
Author
Lyna is a McGill University–trained registered dietitian and has been a member of the Ordre des diététistes-nutritionnistes du Québec (ODNQ) since 2020. Through several years of varied clinical experience, she has developed a strong interest in science-based nutrition that is meant to be understood and applied in everyday life. Always with her glass of mint tea, she enjoys making complex nutrition concepts clear, practical, and accessible. She is particularly interested in the development of tools and projects with a broad positive impact, supporting informed and sustainable food choices.
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